Little Panther News
SUMMER 2021 EDITION
Thank you!
Keep your child challenged this summer! The day-to-day experiences with your child(ren) is what he/she will remember the most! Cooking with them, taking a hike, visiting a zoo or museum, frequent family dinners, taking a Sunday drive . . . there are so many experiences and opportunities for learning and growth for children!
I sincerely thank you so much for sharing your little panther with us! It is such an honor to be a part of their early education!
Have a great summer!
Carole Fetke, Principal
P.S. There is LOTS of great info on this page for new (and returning!) little panther families! Make sure you keep scrolling down!!!
IMPORTANT CHANGE -- PLEASE NOTE THE NEW SCHOOL HOURS AT SOUTH
7:40 am: Instructional Day Begins
2:50 pm: Student Dismissal
3:45 pm: Office Closes
11:20 am: Dismissal for 1/2 Days
12:50 pm: Dismissal for Early Release Days
NOTICE TO YOUNG 5s and KINDERGARTEN PARENTS . . .
Your child will have a chance to meet their teacher at the Back-to-School Open House on August 25th from 4 to 6 pm.
Upcoming Important Dates:
- August 25: Back-to-School Open House (4:00 to 6:00 pm)
- August 30: 1st Day of School ~ Half Day (7:40 am to 11:20 am)
- August 31: 1st Full Day of School (7:40 am to 2:50 pm)
Q&A . . .
Q. Can we drop our child off in the front of the building on the first day?
A. With the current road construction around South School, we are planning for Lucinda to be unavailable to parents during the start of school because we might need to re-route buses through Lucinda Lane. We ask that parents plan to drop off in the car rider lane (off of Silver Terrace -- please enter off of M-140).
Q. What time can we drop our child off at school?
A. The building opens at 7:20 am. School begins at 7:40 am
Q. When can we meet our child's teacher?
A. Back-to-School Open House is Wednesday, August 25th from 4 to 6 pm on the South School Playground.
Q. How do we know who our child's teacher is?
A. If you have a child in 1st or 2nd grade, class lists are now posted on the glass at the front of the building. If your child is entering Young 5s or Kindergarten, you should have received a letter from your child's teacher (if you did not receive a letter, please call our office at 463-0860).
Q. Is there adult assistance in the car rider lane?
A. Absolutely!!! We have staff there to open the car door and greet your child and direct them into the building (staff in the building will help them from there!).
Q. How will my child know where to go in the morning?
A. The beginning of the school year in a Y5 through 2nd grade building is an all-hands-on-deck endeavor!!! All staff are in the hallways greeting students and helping them get to their classroom! Rest assured, your child will feel welcome and safe!
Q. How will my child know where to go after school?
A. We require all families to complete a "Transportation Form" and we use that information to create "Going Home" lists for each classroom teacher. The end of the school day is another all-hands-on-deck time and all staff are in the hallways helping students get to where they need to be!
Q. How do I do the pick up lane at the end of the day?
A. Enter the pick up lane on Silver Terrace off of M-140. It is helpful if you have your child's name written on a paper and attached to the passenger side of the windshield so our staff can quickly announce your child (via hand-held radio) and our team inside can get your child on the correct cone. You will pull up and our staff will put your child in your vehicle.
Q. What can I do to make sure the drop off / pick up lane runs smoothly?
A. Well, thanks for asking that question! Please place your child's car seat on the passenger side of the vehicle. Your child will be exiting / entering your vehicle on that side. Have your child practice buckling him/herself into their car seat (we will help them until they have mastered this skill. Please do not get out of your vehicle -- it runs much more smoothly if our staff assists your child.
Q. Is there after-school care available for my child?
A. The YDC provides and after-school program and the WPS bus can transport your child there from school at the end of the day. Contact them at 269-639-2489.
Q. Where can I get another copy of the supply list for my child?
A. Keep scrolling! A downloadable supply list for each grade level is included in this newsletter!
SY 2021-2022 School Supply Lists
EVERY DAY BEFORE SCHOOL . . .
Please remember . . . families need to complete this home screening DAILY before sending your little panther to school! Check for these symptoms:
- Temperature 100 degrees F or higher
- Sore throat
- New uncontrolled cough (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
- New loss of taste or smell
If your child has ANY of these symptoms, keep them home from school and call your family doctor/pediatrician.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Info
Help us prevent head lice outbreaks in school . . .
Resources:
South Elementary
Email: cfetke@watervlietps.org
Website: www.watervlietps.org
Location: 433 Lucinda Lane, Watervliet, MI, USA
Phone: (269)463-0860
Twitter: @CFetke